School is Cool is a community outreach effort managed and organized by CSU employees that provides backpacks and school supplies to K-12 students in Fort Collins, Wellington, Timnath and LaPorte, and to outlying mountain schools. Since 1992, School Is Cool has helped more than 32,000 children. Last year, the program assisted 2,517 students in 46 schools.

Demand is higher for supplies again this year

In 2013, the program donated 2,517 packs, but the need continues to grow. Even in the Fort Collins economy, support has never been more crucial. Current figures from Poudre School District indicate over 8,500 students are eligible for the free or reduced lunch program. That’s more than 32 percent of all the students in grades kindergarten through 12.

A $25 donation provides a brand-new backpack filled with an average of 13 grade-appropriate school supplies.

Besides ensuring the students have the supplies they need, the program strives to build self-esteem – an important factor to academic success.